Recall 12V-478
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. recalled the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class: Equipment (appliance, air conditioner).
At a glance
- Campaign number
- 12V-478
- Reported
- October 1, 2012
- Vehicles affected
- 432 estimated by the manufacturer
Source: NHTSA recall records
What is wrong
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2013 SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012 originally equipped with R1234yf refrigerant. Daimler AG (DAG), the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, conducted product testing of a vehicle, not sold in the US, but equipped with the same refrigerant. According to Mercedes-Benz, the testing was designed to replicate worst-case conditions expected in a severe frontal crash that would cause a rupture of the air conditioner refrigerant line. A rupture of a refrigerant line will result in a gaseous mixture of refrigerant being released into the engine compartment.
The risk
The testing conducted by DAG determined that the escaping R1234yf refrigerant may ignite under specific conditions. The resulting fire could spread to additional combustible materials.
The fix
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the R1234yf refrigerant with R134a along with new refrigerant lines (hoses) designed specifically for R134a. The remedy will be provided free of charge. The safety recall began on November 8, 2012. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-[removed].
Notes from the manufacturer
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-[removed] (TTY: 1-[removed]); or go to [link removed]